SOONER STAR NEWS - Central Oklahoma - Mercedes

October/November 2015
SOONER STAR NEWS
President’s Message
The harvest moon hangs round and high
It dodges clouds high in the sky,
The stars wink down their love and mirth
The Autumn season is giving birth.
Oh, it must be October...
~Pearl N. Sorrels
Members to partake.
Oh, it must be October…
The autumn season is nigh upon us,
which means 2015 will, all too soon,
come to its close. But, before we say
farewell to the departing year, your
Section still has much for our
Mercedes-Benz Day at Coffee & Cars is Saturday, October 3. For
those Members at last month’s dinner meeting, John Terrill, the
organizer of Coffee & Cars spoke about the huge success this
monthly event has become. So, come join us as we will have a
number of spaces held for our Members to gather – but you must
be there early. Vehicles of all marques and vintages, classic and
custom will be there. If you’ve not done Coffee & Cars before,
In this issue
Page 3: Christmas Party Info.
Page 4: Coffee & Cars.
Page 6: Ponton Restoration XI.
Page 7: First Taxi.
Page 8: Calendar of Events.
Page 9: Project Fintail
Page 10: Mike Horn, G Class & K2.
you’re in for a treat!
The Wichita Mountain road trip will be, Saturday, October 17.
What a great time of year to enjoy the fall color and cooler weather.
Watch for details.
A special October dinner meeting is on tap for October 20. - A
Member appreciation meeting at the Stonebridge Clubhouse (a
private facility) with a catered meal provided to you by your
Section. We look forward to seeing you there – but please email to
Ed or Masood at central.ok.mbca@gmail.com if you plan to attend
so we have an accurate meal count! Longtime automobile
collector, racer and exotic car repair facility owner, John Harden
will be our guest speaker.
Not to shortchange the Thanksgiving season, our November
Sooner Star News is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City and G W & Son Auto Body Shop
Questions/information call Section President at 405 359-2821 or National Business Office at 1-800-637-2360
www.mbokc.com
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MBCA – Central Oklahoma Section
2015 Christmas Party Event
Your Club’s High Lite Social Gathering of the Year
Date:
Tuesday, December 15th, 2015
Time:
Cash Bar at 6:30 – Dinner at 7:30
Location:
Twin Hills Golf & Country Club
3401 North East 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73121
(NE corner of I-35 and NE 36th Street)
Menu:
8oz Filet of Beef - $39.00 (Cooked Medium unless you specify otherwise on your check)
Salmon - $37.00
Chicken - $32.00
A Vegetarian option - $29.00
All Entrées come with Salad, a Starch, a Vegetable, Dinner Rolls, Desert and Coffee/Iced Tea.
Reservations and Prepay Required:
Please mail your check payable to MBCA with your Entrée selection(s) by no later than December 8th,
2015 to:
Ed Hoag, Treasurer, MBCA Central Oklahoma Section
P. O. Box 1518, Edmond, OK 73083-1518
After Dinner Fun:
Observing a Club tradition, we will be playing a seasonally
appropriate version of “Dirty Santa”. Please bring a
wrapped gift (one per couple) valued $25 to $35.
President’s message continued…
And, as we then usher in the Christmas season, our social highlight of the year, our annual Christmas party will be
upon us. We are looking forward to our new venue, the historic Twin Hills Country Club. So, save the date for
December 15 and plan to attend. Details will follow soon.
So, while we’re in the autumn of the year, your Section still offers much in Mercedes-Benz activities to enjoy. So join
in and we’ll see you there!
Logged onto our Facebook page recently, or at all? If not, you’re missing a fun opportunity to see some great
Mercedes-Benz photography. Each day, an interesting Mercedes-Benz automobile, ranging from the rare to the
unusual, is featured on the site. Did you know we have people from around the world long onto our page daily to
check out these photos? I encourage you to not only go to the site regularly to see these great photos. Be sure to
“Like” our page and photos.
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MBCA – Central Oklahoma Section September 15, 2015 Members’ Meeting, OKC Coffee & Cars
By Bill & Pat Nash
Coffee & Cars in Oklahoma City takes place the first Saturday of every month (no
matter what) at Northpark Mall, 12100 North May, in Oklahoma City. It is sponsored by
Synergy Advisors Group, a financial and estate planning firm. Our speaker was
Synergy’s John Terrill.
History:
Synergy and some of their clients went to car shows together and realized they would like to display their
cars in a less formal environment, without the work of detailing and without having to pay a fee. Four
years ago, they set up their first meeting at Penn and Memorial. At that time they hoped 100 cars would
participate, but they had 125. The number of cars continued to grow, and they had to move from the Penn
and Memorial location to Northpark Mall. Since that time the number of cars showing has grown to 1,425,
with 4000 people attending, and a current newsletter circulation of 3,000. They appear on YouTube and
have had five appearances in the media. The rules of participation are simple: be courteous, take only
one parking space, no burnouts and no speeding. Synergy covers insurance, event licensing, coffee and
two off-duty police officers.
As attendance continues to grow, and location options are limited (Quail Springs Mall said no, Remington
wanted to take over, the Fairgrounds is too expensive, and Bass Pro limited the number of cars to 475),
suggestions are welcome. One option under consideration is to get additional space in the parking lot on
the north side of 122nd Street.
“Cars & Coffee” is a nationwide organization and charges a franchise fee of $10,000, so our own local
“Coffee & Cars” was created. Oklahoma City has a surprisingly great number of quality cars (including
Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini; it appears there are many more exotics in our area than expected.
Almost all other types of cars are on display every month, ranging from rat rods, hot rods, and classics to
daily drivers. At one event an airplane was on display, much to the dismay of local law enforcement.
Charity: On each anniversary event in September a charity is chosen. Synergy provides t-shirts to the
charity and they offer them for sale. The price is a donation of the buyer’s choice. The first year, $7,500
was raised for Love OKC, and at the 2015 anniversary, $17,000 was raised for this year’s charity.
Future: Coffee & Cars is looking at expanding activities to include track days, drives, cruises, and remote
events. If requested, Coffee & Cars can reserve a limited number of spaces for car clubs to display their
cars.
Other Locations: There are other similar events in Midwest City (“Cruise in For Coffee”) and in Tulsa
(“Caffeine & Gasoline”). Houston also has a very large Coffee and Cars organization. None of those
groups are affiliated with OKC Cars & Coffee.
Hours: Coffee & Cars is held on the first Saturday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However,
most Saturdays begin at 7:00 a.m. (If you really want a good space you need to show up at 6:30 a.m.).
People seem to come in two groups, one around 7:00 a.m. and, as those people leave, others arrive
around 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 3, Mercedes-Benz Day at Coffee & Cars
Spaces will be held for MBCA members on this date, and we were asked to let John know how
many parking spaces will be needed. Members wishing to participate should be on-site by 7:00
a.m. If you have questions, contact Kenny Hoffman khoffman29@cox.net or 405-427-2109)
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Mercedes Spotting
Spotted in Edmond, by
Masood Khan
If you spot an interesting Mercedes-Benz, take a picture and email to the Editor: central.ok.mbca@gmail.com
301 W 15th St Edmond, OK 73013
(405) 341-6030 or 1 800-341-6030
http://silverstarimports.com
www.silverstarimports.com
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220S Ponton Restoration Part XI
By Charles Boyd
The 220S is now back in Duncan where it is
being assembled. Starting at the front, the
bumper, fog lights, grill and one headlight are
all in place. The fender lights are partially
installed but the wiring is not complete. The
windshield is installed; no small task, and the
wipers are in place.
The dash is installed with the wiper switch and
cigarette lighter in place. Installing the cigarette
lighter seemed like an exercise in futility
because it will never be used because there will be no smoking in this vehicle. The side window vents are
assembled and installed. Door latches are installed and adjusted. At the rear, the back bumper is in place.
The taillights, emblems and trunk handle are assembled and attached.
Presently the covers are being installed on the seats. Next will come the convertible top, carpets and
upholstery. Sounds easy when written or spoken but I am certain a few more problems will arise. It is
reassuring to have it thus far even though we had to stop for a while due to the high temperature and
humidity. With the cooler weather we will be going full speed ahead.
I have had friends make the statement that, “That car project is what keeps you young.” I can say it is not
doing much to keep me young, as time marches
on, but it is helping to keep me physically fit.
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Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft supplied the world's first motorized taxi.
On 26 June 1896, the Stuttgart-based haulage operator
Friedrich Greiner ordered a Daimler motor carriage
from the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in
Cannstatt. Because the intention was to use it as a hire
cab to carry passengers, Greiner also arranged for it to
be fitted with a taximeter. Company founder Gottlieb
Daimler in person was responsible for recommending
his four-speed belt-driven model (known henceforth as
the belt-driven car), which had an output of 8 HP, for
use as a taxi.
The first motorized taxi went into service eleven years after the invention of the automobile, in
1897. Friedrich Greiner was able to cover a distance of about 70 kilometers a day. Far more than
any horse-drawn cab. In view of the immediate success of the Daimler motor carriage, the
businessman soon renamed his company the “Daimler Motorized Cab Company”. By 1899 his
fleet had grown to comprise seven Daimler taxis. The years that followed would see similar taxi
companies established in many other
major European cities.
The first Mercedes-Benz taxi arrived on the
scene in 1927.
Following the merger of the two
companies to form Daimler-Benz AG, in
June 1926, the first Mercedes-Benz taxi
arrived on the market in 1927: the basis
for it was provided by the 8/38 hp
model. As in the case of the world’s
very first motorized taxi, the taxi
version of the 8/38 hp was also a
landaulet, upon which the rear section
of the roof could be folded back – an
option
welcome
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Calendar of Events 2015
October 3rd;
Coffee & Cars, OKC
October 10th; Board of Directors Meeting.
October 17th; Driving Event, Wichita Mountains.
October 20th; Member’s monthly dinner meeting
@ Stonebridge Clubhouse, Edmond.
November 7th; Coffee & Cars, OKC
November 17th; Member’s monthly dinner meeting
@ El Chico’s, Quail Springs.
December 15th; Christmas Party @ Twin Hills Golf
& Country Club, 3401 NE 36th St.
Oklahoma City.
Sooner Star News
October/November 2015
Editor: Masood Khan
Asst. Editors: Bill Nash & Ed Hoag
Contributing Credits for this issue: Bill Nash, Charles Boyd,
Charles Woods, Ed Hoag, Masood Khan, Mercedes-Benz
Classic etc.
Photography Credits for this issue: Daimler AG, Ken Hoffman,
Mike Diple, Mike Horn, Masood Khan, Duck Duck Go and
Google etc.
Advertising Chair: Greg Morgan, gmorgan41@gmail.com
The Sooner Star News is published bi-monthly by the Central
Oklahoma Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, as a
benefit of MBCA Membership. Subscriptions for non-members
are not available. Rates for advertising are available from the
Advertising Chair, whose address and phone number are on the
back cover. The Editor reserves the right to edit all submitted
material.
Permission to reprint any original article is hereby expressly
granted to other MBCA Sections. Opinions expressed are those
of the authors and not necessarily those of either MBCA or the
Central Oklahoma Section. Neither MBCA nor the Central
Oklahoma Section endorses products or services, but may, as a
part of our informational activities, allow them to be cited in
articles and notices.
The trade names and trademarks “Mercedes-Benz,”
“Mercedes,” and the three-pointed star in a circle, are owned by
Daimler AG and are authorized for use by its licensees, which
include MBCA, exclusively. Contact MBCA’s National
Business Office for additional information.
MBCA Central Oklahoma Section
P. O. Box 1518, Edmond, OK 73083-1518
central.ok.mbca@gmail.com
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Project Fintail
By Masood Khan
Part 1: Buy a goat?
In the Indian Subcontinent they say, “If you don’t have a heartache, buy a goat.” No, I
am not buying a goat but a 1966 W111 Fintail, the one not even running but in deep
meditation in the outdoors for half a decade. Though we have a three-year age
difference, I still cannot figure out who is in a rougher shape, the Fintail or I.
The reason for buying her is part sentimental, part logical and part moral.
 Sentimental: Just like my daughter got her first Mercedes from her dad, I got mine from my dad. It was a
red Fintail. Since I was only four at that time, mine was in 1:18 scale. I love Fintails because it was my first
Mercedes. People drool on Gullwings; I don’t. There are too many Gullwings; you can even find one in
Enid, Oklahoma.
 Logical: It is a local straight body car with no rust or big structural damage, but frankly speaking, what has
logic to do anyway in buying a 50-year-old Mercedes?
 Moral: As a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast and MBCA Member, I feel obligated to rescue “abused Mercedes”
whenever I can.
When I started looking for another classic, my better half said make sure it is an automatic and has air-conditioning.
The Fintail has both. Good news: Farah is onboard with me
and is eagerly awaiting her first drive.
Goal: Make it mechanically fit and safe to drive anywhere.
I’m not interested in cosmetics at this time, as we don’t have
extra garage space. Also she is supposed to be the car for
running errands, including groceries. (Hopefully in the not
so distant future, if you see a white Fintail parked at Sprouts
or Uptown in Edmond, you will know it is our grocery day.)
First Heartache: Realized getting 13-inch whitewall tire is
not as simple as I thought. After a lot of running around I
was able to purchase four tires directly from the
manufacturer at a reasonable price. Thanks to my friends Charles Woods and Jim Taheri for their assistance in the
hunt for the tires.
I own the tires: The tires are here; the sale has yet to be finalized, once through that, Fintail will be at the mercy of
Fintail doctor. As she has no healthcare insurance, I will be paying the bills. I hope Fintail doctor will be kind and
will give some discount. Though I am an unreligious person but I feel a little bit of prayer by you friends will not
hurt, so until next time, please keep praying for all three of us.
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Mike Horn, G Class & K2
By Masood Khan
This summer, Mike Horn the world-renowned adventurer
made an attempt to climb world’s second highest mountain
K2 (28,251 feet). It was a three-tier adventure, driving from
Switzerland to Pakistan (home of the K2), and then climbing
one of the most difficult mountains on earth and later skiing
and paragliding down the mountain.
In mid May, Mike along with Alpine climbers
Fred Roux, Köbi Reichen and his two daughters
Annika and Jessica started the journey from their
home in Switzerland. In two Mercedes G
Wagons, they drove through Germany, Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China to
reach Skardu, Pakistan.
Mike said about the drive; “Let’s just say it’s a
challenging commute to work”.
The G Wagons performed superbly during the
commute and after an adventurous drive, transported Mike and his team to the destination.
After scaling the mountain almost half way, on
July 28th, Mike and his team had to call off the
climb due to bad weather and threat of
avalanche.
Mike summed up his sentiments very wisely,
“Although climbing is considered a sport, we do not
"play" climbing. We do not lose a match or a game;
we lose our lives when competing against Mother
Nature. A human must have the wisdom to make
the right decision according to natural conditions.
If you step over that line, it's not nature that kills you — it's your decision! We are always disappointed not
reaching goals, but the mountain will always be there. If you stay alive as a climber, you can go back and try again”.
We hope Mike will be able to complete his ambitious goal of climbing K2 one day.
Continued on next page…
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Mike Horn with daughters before the start
In China
In Kremlin
G Class can fly…
Mike calls G Class “the motorized version of me”.
Going for a boat ride in Pakistan
Karakorum mountain range and Qogir
Glacier in the background
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Editor’s Note
“With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I had ignored my beautiful 450SL for some time, even her gleaming
yellow color, shining chrome, beautiful lines and contours failed to
draw my attention. While the poor SL sat for months ignored and
un-driven in the garage, I spent hours on my computer, looking at
the countless for sale Pagodas, 108s and Fintails.
Finally heartbroken and with “varnish in the heart” she refused to
start. After days in the shop and considerable amount of money
spent, she is fixed. The varnish is gone; gas flows uninterrupted
through her veins and air flows through her lungs. She starts in a single crank and runs beautifully in the streets
and on the highways.
With living in nostalgia of the cars that I had owned and drooling on the ones I wanted to have in the future, I had
missed out on enjoying what I had. Glad this realization has set in, I want to enjoy everything I have, I want to drive
my SL on the beautiful autumn mornings, afternoons and evenings. Who cares about the odometer, I want to live in
the moment, want to live now.
Masood Khan
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Welcome New Members
Jim Catlege, Oklahoma City, OK
Juan & Angelica Franco, Oklahoma City, OK
Roy Smith, Oklahoma City, OK
Fall at Stonebridge
MBCA Central Oklahoma Section October 2015 Monthly Dinner Meeting is at the
Clubhouse at Stonebridge, Located at Boulevard St. Edmond.
Food will be catered and your Club is picking up the tab for the attending
Members/Associate Members, however it is important you
RSVP to Ed Hoag or Masood Khan at central.ok.mbca@gmail.com
by October 13, 2015
www.allstarmotors.com
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MBCA Central OK goes to Porsche Club Car Show
Our Club leadership is
exploring the possibilities
of holding an all German
Car Show in partnership
with the Porsche and BMW
Clubs. On September 26th,
Porsche Club organized a
Car Show to benefit
Sunbeam Family Services
and we were invited to join
them. Some of our
Members participated in
the show and brought
some interesting cars,
including Ken Wells
Ferrari and Jim Taheri’s
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE.
Thoroughbred Motors
Specializing in quality automobiles since 1982
9615 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73114.
(405) 848-0098
www.thoroughbredmotors.com
Design & copyright Masood Khan
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Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Central Oklahoma Section
P. O. Box 1518, Edmond, OK 73083-1518
www.centralok.mbca.org/
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
www.mbca.org
Central Oklahoma Section Officers & Directors
Regional Director South Central Region: Gene Jurick, gjurick@tx.rr.com
Directors
Tom Davis
Bobbye Van Horn
Jeff Leatherock
Greg Morgan
Paul Rodesney
Mary Williams
(405) 340-0993
(405) 340-5919
(405) 943-9795
(405) 615-2501
(405) 620-0124
(405) 525-0633
Officers Central Oklahoma Section
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Charles Woods (405) 359-2821
Bill Nash
(405) 478-7677
Masood Khan (405) 326-2531
Ed Hoag
(405) 341-3578
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercedes-Benz-Club-of-America-Central-Oklahoma-Section/116487505215294
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